chassis

[ chas-ee, -is, shas-ee ]

noun

, plural chas·sis [chas, -eez, shas, -].

1. Automotive. the frame, wheels, and machinery of a motor vehicle, on which the body is supported.
2. Ordnance. the frame or railway on which a gun carriage moves backward and forward.
3. the main landing gear of an aircraft; that portion of the landing gear that supports an aircraft.
4. Radio and Television. a frame for mounting the circuit components of a radio or television set.
5. a construction forming the sides, top, and bottom of a cabinet, showcase, or the like.

chassis

/ ˈʃæsɪ /

noun

1. the steel frame, wheels, engine, and mechanical parts of a motor vehicle, to which the body is attached
2. electronics a mounting for the circuit components of an electrical or electronic device, such as a radio or television
3. the landing gear of an aircraft
4. obsolete.
   a wooden framework for a window, screen, etc
5. the frame on which a cannon carriage moves backwards and forwards
6. slang.
   the body of a person, esp a woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of chassis¹

1655–65; < French châssis frame; akin to chase ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of chassis¹

C17 (meaning: window frame): from French châssis frame, from Vulgar Latin capsicum (unattested), ultimately from Latin capsa case ²

Example Sentences

Most in F1 would acknowledge that being a manufacturer of both chassis and engines gives a team a theoretical competitive advantage, because the two designs can be integrated at source.

From BBC

It was a kind of "franken-bus", with new bodywork added several times, and only parts of the chassis remaining from the original.

From BBC

Among other subjects discussed at the F1 Commission, it was agreed to revise the 2026 regulations, which feature major changes to both chassis and engines, to increase the cars' expected aerodynamic performance.

From BBC

“I’ve been very vocal about extended operation hours,” said Mario Cordero, executive director of the Port of Long Beach, adding that he’s also making sure there’s enough equipment, rails and truck chassis on hand.

From Los Angeles Times

Part of the holistic solution to this was his decision to invert the way suspensions worked in recent years, and especially how the suspension arm joins the wheel to the chassis.

From BBC

Related Words

• frame
• undercarriage